It's an odd reason that it's banned. It's because it contains folate and, in the U.S., folate can be added only to breads and cereals. The rationale is that the folate can mask the symptoms of B-12 deficiency.

I'm sure there still some on shelves. And what about Marmite, which is similar? I've eaten Marmite, which I rather liked, on crackers--but it's an acquired taste.

Larry Greenly wrote:It's an odd reason that it's banned. It's because it contains folate and, in the U.S., folate can be added only to breads and cereals. The rationale is that the folate can mask the symptoms of B-12 deficiency.

I'm sure there still some on shelves. And what about Marmite, which is similar? I've eaten Marmite, which I rather liked, on crackers--but it's an acquired taste.

I don't understand. Folate isn't added to Vegemite--it's a natural constituent of the sticky mess, no? And last time I looked, folic acid (i.e., folate) was prized as a supplement for expectant mothers, to prevent spina bifida.

So now it's being banned because it masks perinicous anemia (cobalamin [B12] intrinsic factor deficiency)? Well, la-di-da--B12 is a component of all major multivitamins.

This case against Vegemite looks even more feeble than the "weapons of mass destruction" argument that led us to go into Iraq.

The Herald Sun has drafted a model letter of protest to President Bush:

Dear President Bush, Australians have stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Americans throughout a century of conflict. From our Diggers and your Doughboys enduring the mud and blood of the Western Front to the crusade against Hitler and Tojo, to Korea, Vietnam, Afghanistan and Iraq, Australia has been a stalwart U.S. ally. Yet today that alliance is threatened, not by despots and terror, but by the high-handed actions of your Food and Drug Administration, which has banned the importation, purchase and consumption of our beloved breakfast spread, Vegemite. Mr. President, this is serious. Italians have pasta, Germans love a sausage, the Brits would be lost without their baked beans, and your fellow countrymen revere mom's apple pie. Well, we Australians thrive on Vegemite, which is not only sensational on toast but promotes good health as well. Tear down this ban, Mr. President! Allow Australians living in your country full and unfettered access to Vegemite, the spread of champions. Don't allow the food fascists of the FDA to jeopardise the respect and admiration that has long characterised relations between our two proud nations. Yours sincerely,

I must say, however, that this little flap has some earmarks of a scam. About Australia, the US store that offers Australian foods and supposedly was forced to stop importing the product last year, is still offering it. Search on vegemite in the top left box -- $3.95 for a 115 gram jar.